Congratulations on the 8:48 at the Simplot Games 3200 this past weekend! In addition to breaking your own record, I saw the altitude conversion is 8:33. How are you feeling about the race?

I'd say it's more like an 8:36, but I loved it. It was a really well-executed race, hitting the splits that I wanted to and coming back from sickness. I think it showed the strength – outside of actual training – that plays a role in helping my mind to be ready and sharp to take care of business.

Did you know that you were that ready to rip coming in? Was there a particular workout that indicated you were ready to take a chance?

We did a workout on the Monday before the weekend, which was just 3 × 600 and 3 × 300. Just a little tuneup hitting the 600s in 72 down to 70s. I hadn't been able to do any workouts the week before, so the 300 is what really gave me confidence, because my coach wanted them at mile pace and I just felt strong and smooth running 45s and 46s. Then in the prelim on Thursday it gave me confidence to hold back for the first 14 laps before closing in 59 or 60.

We're only a few weeks away from New Balance Nationals. Have you decided to commit to the 5000m?

Yeah, I think for sure I’ll do the 5000m. I’ll be running the 4 x Mile earlier in the weekend with my team.

So 13:56 is the high school record and that mark seems within reach. Are we calling this a record attempt?

I would say yes. I'm definitely going for the record and hopefully well beneath it. Well, a few seconds is “well beneath” it, right? I just feel like my strength is still returning to me and running 8:48 is proving that.

Now that you're a New Balance athlete, what's been the coolest experience of that partnership?

It's so crazy when the big boxes of shoes and clothing come to your house. It's just really exciting! That’s been a really fun and exciting experience. But my favorite experience was the first weekend when I knew it was official and ready to sign the contract and stuff. They took us out to the headquarters, and my dad and I were able to see the facility, try out all of the equipment in the lab and just have that personal touch that they’re investing in my career. It’s been pretty special.

If you could go for a run with any New Balance pro, who would it be?

I would probably say Jake Wightman. His 1500 meters at Worlds was one of the most exciting races and I would want to hear about what was going through his head as that happened.

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